Nomadic Style and the art of travel with fashion around the globe

SAIGON

Let me make this clear – I’ve never been to Saigon, but my wandering heart has been enticed by Graham Greene’s Novel The Quiet American, and my imagination has been captivated by the romanticized idea of Saigon “tree-lined streets”, “Paris of the East” and the “Pearl of the Orient.” 

“I shut my eyes and she was again the same as she used to be: she was the hiss of steam, the clink of a cup, she was a certain hour of the night and the promise of rest“, writes Graham Green describing the Vietnamese girl in his novel.

And what else I imagine about Saigon?  Glistening with moisture brick streets, heavy with fog air, bicycles and conical straw hats, the graceful hurried walk of the slender Vietnamese women…“cocktail-time on the roof of the Majestic, with a wind from Saigon river”, the French colonial architecture…

But of course the author of The Quiet American describes it best:

“I can’t say what made me fall in love with Vietnam – that a woman’s voice can drug you; that everything is so intense. The colors, the taste, even the rain. Nothing like the filthy rain in London. They say whatever you’re looking for, you will find here. They say you come to Vietnam and you understand a lot in a few minutes, but the rest has got to be lived. The smell: that’s the first thing that hits you, promising everything in exchange for your soul. And the heat. Your shirt is straightaway a rag. You can hardly remember your name, or what you came to escape from. But at night, there’s a breeze. The river is beautiful. You could be forgiven for thinking there was no war; that the gunshots were fireworks; that only pleasure matters. A pipe of opium, or the touch of a girl who might tell you she loves you. And then, something happens, as you knew it would. And nothing can ever be the same again.”

Wearing Ochre Kantha Kimono Jacket, made from kantha cloths, typical of Bangladesh and West Bengal. For centuries, women in these areas have made kantha cloth of various sizes, passing this skill on from generation to generation. Kantha’s in the home were precious objects to the family, and were stitched for loved ones as gifts of thanks and blessings. Women developed their own individual stitches, almost like a signature, as a unique form of expression, and a sense of individuality and creativity. They are unique objects and one kantha will never be identical to another

Kelly Cornichon Bag

Linen Check Trousers, handmade in Italy

Mint Linen Coat

Vagabond Hat by Lola Hat

Whole look available at By Adushka

Where do we go next? Browsing the new collection of By Adushka my attention is captured by the new upcycled short Suzani Jacket, handmade with vintage embroidered tribal textiles coming from Central Asia. 

Together with Karin we compose a beautiful look, mixing the stunning handcrafted cotton blend Taan Baan blouse and the carefree flared Momoni Philadelphia trousers, layering them with the short ethnic Suzani jacket. 

This nomadic style immediately takes me to another world, strolling through the narrow streets of medina, shopping for spices in a busy souk, drinking refreshing mint tea with cardamon in a soothing tearoom, decorating my skin with henna. 

I must say this look really captures the bohemian culture and speaks to the wandering heart. To everyone who loves adventures, music, artistry and literature, but feels enticed by spirituality, ancient traditions and cultural heritage. 

To visit Morocco is still like turning the pages of some illuminated Persian manuscript all embroidered with bright shapes and subtle lines. Edith Wharton

By Adushka Susani Jacket

Injiri handcrafted cotton blend shirt

Momoni Philadelphia pants

Bolero Scale Bag Woyoyo

Head accessory

THE READER

This last Spring Look we put together takes me to Amsterdam and my dutch friends who like to say: ‘Doe Marr Normaal’ (Just act normal). I’ve seen Dutch women all over the world, and every each one of them has her own style, but I noticed Dutch women tend to wear masculine silhouettes, they like neutral tones and interesting colour combinations. They’ve mastered the fine balance between comfort and elegance. 

When you think about it, the duster coat, is perfect when riding a bike, or the long straight leg pants, so comfy but chic, paired with a light sweater in such an interesting colour. What about the hat you would ask? Oh the Hat! 

The hat takes this outfit to a whole new level, singling individualism, independence, even a bit of wilfulness. 

The hat adds  an unexpected element of mystery and edginess, breaking this quiet look that for some reason reminds me of Bernhard Schlink novel The Reader and that postwar Germany.

Where does your imagination take you when you look at these there elks and which one resonates with youth most?

Tobacco Linen Duster Physique du Role

Vanilla Palazzo Pants, 100% cotton, Marrakshi Life

Momoni Sky Blue Sweater /coming soon/

Rust Raffia Fedora Lola Hat